User level: Level 1 (41 points)Hello,
So I recently updated my iPad (M4) from iOS26 to iOS27. I’ve been having bit of trouble. Then I found this:
Under iCloud in iMessages:
Download Attachments 30 days.
Exactly what does that mean?
Also it says: If your iPad is low on space, attachments including photos videos etc. are auto removed after 30 days.
Does that mean it deletes it from iCloud too?
Please explain to me what this means, and if all my texts will get deleted.
Thanks.
Posted on Sep 14, 2026 4:22 PM
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Sep 15, 2026 4:01 AM in response to Maxwell_C
iOS/iPadOS 27 introduces additional configuration options for Messages in iCloud.
As before, your messages are synchronised between your Apple devices that are signed-in with the same Apple Account via iCloud. iOS/iPadOS 27 adds the ability to delete the local copy of attachments saved on your devices when local storage space on the device is running low. When this occurs automatically, only the local copy is deleted to release the associated storage on the device - but leaves the copy synchronised with iCloud untouched. The iCloud copy can be re-downloaded to the device when needed.
If you look at the additional text shown on your screenshot, this is clearly indicated:
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Oct 27, 2026 10:27 AM in response to Sabii1002
Sabii1002 wrote: I’m confused as well
Sabii1002 wrote: ... what happens if you’re not low on memory but leave it where it says 30 days? Then what occurs when you actually click “download all attachments”?
If your iPad is low on space - and needs to use local storage for something else - attachments including photos and videos are automatically removed from local storage. While the local copy may be removed, these attachments remain in iCloud - from which they can be downloaded again if you need to view them.
Locally stored attachments are automatically removed from the iPad after 30-days - freeing up space. While the locally stored attachments are removed from the iPad, these attachments are retained by (i.e. not deleted from) your iCloud storage.
When attachments are automatically removed from the iPad after 30-days, they can be downloaded again from iCloud when needed.
The Keep Messages setting determines how long the attachments are retained before being permanently deleted from both the device and iCloud. Setting to Never (as illustrated) ensures that attachments are never removed from the iPad or iCloud unless they are intentionally deleted by the user.
User level: Level 1 (26 points)Oct 26, 2026 11:28 PM in response to LotusPilot
What does “low on space” actually is? Like what is the gb and what happens if you’re not low on memory but leave it where it says 30 days? Then what occurs when you actually click “download all attachments”?
User level: Level 1 (26 points)Oct 26, 2026 11:28 PM in response to Maxwell_C
I’m confused as well
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256356794